Hauling machine



April 9, 1957 H. E. MANNING HAULING MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 19, 1953 INVENTOR. HAK'OLD E MANNING ATTORNEY April 9, 1957 H. E. MANNING 2,787,845

HAULING MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 19, 1953 IN V EN TOR. HAkoLp 5. MA IVN/NC-f ATTORNEY April 9, 1957 H. E. MANNING 2,787,345

HAULING MACHINE Filed Jan. 19, 1953 4' Sheets-Sheet S fig 5 INVENTOR. HAROLD MANN/N6 ATTORNEY m n n April 9, 1957 H. E. MANNING 2,737,845

HAULING MACHINE Filed Jan. 19, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. HAR LD f MANN/N1;

ATTORNEY HAULING MACHINE Harold Earl Manning, Bridgeville, Calif., assignor of two and one-half percent each to Clarence E. Erickson, Molly H. Minduri, Nick Circosta, and Sal E. Onorata, one and one-fourth percent to A. P. Mancuso, one and one-fourth percent to Jack Mannie, and one-eighth percent to Edward T. Mancuso Application January 19, 1953, Serial No. 331,954

4 Claims. (Cl. 37-117.5)

This invention relates to a hauling machine and particularly to machine adapted to be used in logging, laying pipe lines, and for dragging or carrying comparatively heavy loads.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a machine for carrying or dragging heavy loads, in which the winch is adjustably supported on an axle frame nited States Patent '0 between a pair of wheels, which wheels in turn are of I such large diameter as to leave ample space between them and below said axle frame for the load to be hauled; bulldozer means being provided with such adjustability as to be usable as scrapers on terrains of various contours, and also to be usable for counterbalancing the moment of the winching and hauling effort on the axle structure and on the wheels.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hauling machine, wherein the traction power plants are suspended on the ends of an axle frame and within therespective large traction wheels at said ends, so as to lower the center of gravity of the machine although the wheels are large enough to accommodate large loads between them and beneath said axle, driving means being provided between the respective power plants and the adjacent wheels, and adjustable means being provided to counterbalance the torque or moment exerted by the winching and carrying of the load on said axle frame, and by the driving force on said wheels.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hauling machine in which a winch mechanism is adjustably carried on an axle frame structure between a pair of large traction wheels so spaced as to accommodate large loads to be hauled between the wheels and beneath the axle frame; said winch mechanism being adjustable longitudinally along said axle frame, means being provided within the traction wheels to drive the respective wheels, and means being provided in the form of an adjustable bulldozer device to counterbalance the turning torque or moments of the various loads on the axle frame.

I am aware that some changes may be made in the general arrangements and combinations of the several devices and parts as well as in the details of the construction thereof without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the following specification, and as defined in the following claims; hence I do not limit my invention to the exact arrangements and combinations of the said device and parts as described in the said specification, nor do I confine myself to the exact details of the construction of the said parts as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, which will be made manifest in the following detailed description, reference is had to the acco p drawings for the illustrative embodiment of the invention, wherein:

Fig. l is a front view of a hauling machine constructed generally in accordance with my invention.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of said hauling machine.

l atented Apr 9, i957 ice Fig. 3 is a fragmental front view of said hauling machine on a somewhat enlarged scale.

Fig. 4 is a fragmental plan view of said hauling machine on a somewhat enlarged scale.

Fig. 5 is a partly sectional view of one of the traction wheels showing the power drive mechanism therefor.

Fig. 6 is a fragmental sectional side view of one of the traction wheels.

Fig. 7 is a sectional side view of the portion of slidable frame on the axle frame structure for the controls and the winch.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view of the middle of the axle frame structure.

Fig. 9 is a side view of my hauling machine showing the adjustable support of the bulldozer. I

Fig. 10 is a rear view of the bulldozer blade showing the arrangement of the mounting therefor; and

Fig. 11 is a fragmental plan view of the bulldozer and its support and operating mechanism.

In its general organization my hauling machine includes an axle frame 1 on each end 2 of which is suitably journalled a large traction wheel 3. The traction wheels 3 are of such diameter as to accommodate large loads in the space beneath the axle frame. The traction wheels 3 are spaced apart at least a distance equal to the wheel diameter so as to accommodate therebetween suitable loads such as dragged or carried in logging, pipe laying or the like operations.

A power drive mechanism 4 is suspended from each axle end 2 within each traction wheel 3 so as to also function as counterweight for the operating and control mechanisms on said axle frame 1 and lower the center of gravity of the machine.

A cab 6 for the operator is supported on a carriage 7 adjustable axially on said axle frame 1. A suitable power driven winch mechanism 8 is supported on said carriage for dragging or heeling the load beneath said axle.

On each axle end 2 and outside of each wheel 3 is an adjustable support and brace device 9, which supports a suitable bulldozer blade 11 in selected adjusted positions, as required for counterbalance and operation.

In detail, the axle frame 1 includes a pair of spaced I beams 12 connected at their ends by end bars 13. A hollow tubular axle shaft extends from each end bar 13 outwardly and forms each axle end 2. The cavity of each shaft or end 2 is accessible through a hole 16 in the adjacent end bar 13, which hole 16 can be suitably covered. Various controls, not shown, are concealed within and extended through said hollow shafts or ends 2. The generally rectangular frame formed by the I beams 12 and the end bars 13 is oblong and extends substantially through the entire space between the wheels 3.

Each traction wheel 3 is made of two symmetrical half sections joined diametrically together. This permits easier demounting and transporting of the machine and the wheels which are in excess of twenty feet in diameter. The united sections as a wheel 3 comprise a pair of spaced hubs 17 from each of which extend radial spokes 18 to support a ring flange 19. The opposite ring flanges 19 are integrally united together by a traction ring or crown 21, which has thereon suitable traction elements such as angle iron cleats 22. 1 The hubs 17 have exterior bearing boxes 23 journalled on the axle ends 2 in any suitable manner not shown. Diametrical flanges 24 along the diametrical joining line are suitably secured together by bolts 26 or the like.

On the inside face of each wheel hub 17 is fixed a driven wheel or gear 27 which is connected by a suit able transmission line such as a chain or multiple drive belt 28 to a drive wheel or gear 29, along each face on the inside of each wheel 3. The drive .Wheelsor gears 29 are driven by suitable gear transmission 31, indicated only generally, as driven by a suitable engine 32 preferably of the internal combustion type. This entire assembly is wholly within the lower half of the wheel 3 and below the axis of the axle ends 2.

The power drive mechanism 4 includes said engine 32 and the gear transmission 31 mounted on a suspension frame 33 suspended from the axle end 2 within each wheel 3. The suspension frame 33 is a skeleton frame and is formed by a pair of upwardly converging members 34 connected at the top to a split bracket 36 bolted together and keyed to the axle end 2 between the driven wheels or gears 27. There are two such pairs of suspension members 34 generally parallel and adjacent to the respective inner sides of each wheel 3. The general shape of each side formed by said suspension members is that of a segment. The wider lower ends of the opposite suspension members are integrally united by a bottom plate 37, substantially in line with a chord of the wheel 3. A curved outer bottom 38 and vertical sides 39 form a fuel tank 41 near the lowest portion of the periphery of the wheel 3. The engine 32 and the gear transmission 31. are mounted on the chord plate 37 so that the greatest mass of the power drive is located at the lowest possible point with respect to the wheels 3 yet entirely out of the way of the working space below the axle frame 1 between the wheels 3. Suitable fuel lines and usual engine and transmission control devices are not shown, but are located at their usual places. near the engine and transmission.

The cab 6 is of the usual type. It has the usual seat 42 therein for the operator, and control levers and handles 43 near the seat 42. On the carriage 7 is also mounted a hoist or winch engine dd connected by a transmission 46 to the winch spool 47 on a bracket 48. A winch line or chain 49 depends from the winch spool 47 in the usual manner for the hoisting, dragging, hecling and carrying of a load, such as logs or pipes.

The carriage 7 includes a pair of spaced parallel support beams 51, transverse with respect to the axis of the axle frame 1, and suitably connected to form a fixed frame. On the sides of the cross beams 51 are journalled suitable gears 52 which ride on a pair of spaced racks 53 formed longitudinally along the top edges of the I beams 12 of the axle frame 1. At least one pair of said gears 52 are connected by a drive shaft 54. A suitable transmission 56 transmits power and rotation from the winch engine 44 to the drive shaft 54 for rotating the gears 52 on the racks 53 and thereby shifting the entire carriage 7 and the winch mechanism and cab thereon axially along the axle frame 1 to any selected position above the logs or other load. The carriage 7 has suitable extensions, such as guide flanges 57 along the I beams 12, to hold it aligned on the axle frame 1. The carriage beams 51 are suitably recessed at 57 to clear the racks 53.

The counterbalancing bulldozer blade 11 and the sup port and bracing device 9 therefor are shown particularly in Figs. 9, l and 11. On the outer end of each axle end 2 and outside of each traction wheel 3 is held a journal box 61. A pair of spaced parallel sleeve guides 62 are supported respectively above and below on said journal box 61. A bulldozer support arm 63 is slidably held in each sleeve guide 62. On each sleeve guide 62 is a suitable friction brake 64 indicated only generally, for selectively engaging the adjacent support arm 63 and holding it fixed in adjusted extended or retracted position relatively to the guides 62.

The forward end of each support arm 63 is connected by a suitable universal joint, such as a ball and socket joint 66, to the rear face of the bulldozer blade 11. The ball and socket joints 66 at one end of the blade are supported on travelling blocks 67 which latter are slidable horizontally in retaining channels 68 on the back- Cit side of the bulldozer blade 11, so as to allow for se lected angular adjustments of the bulldozer blade.

A preferably pneumatic plunger 71 is connected by a universal or ball and socket joint 72 to the middle of the back of the bulldozer blade 11 substantially between the locations of the connections of the support arms 63. The plunger works in a pneumatic cylinder "/3 universally mounted on the front of the axle frame 1 generally intermediate between the traction wheels 3.

The rear or free end of the lower bulldozer support arm 63 of each pair has a spike head 74 thereon pointing rearwardly for bracing against the ground when the support arms are suitably tilted during the winch operation to counterbalance the torque created by winching and furnish the leverage for the heavier winch pulls.

Adjacent each bulldozer support 9 a hydraulic cylinder 76 is universally mounted on a bracket 77 extended from the axle end 2 upwardly and rearwardly. A plunger 78 working in said hydraulic cylinder 76 is universally connected to the adjacent upper sleeve guide 62. As the plunger 78 is reciprocated in its cylinder 76 it raises or lowers the rear portion of the sleeve guide 62 and thereby turns the jouinal box 61 so as to tilt the bulldozer support arms 63 to desired angular positions at the will of the operator.

The compressor for the pneumatic cylinder, and the hydraulic system, and the control tubes and levers from the cab to the engines in each wheel and to the respective devices, and the usual clutches and brakes and their remote controls from the cab, are of any usual suitable type and are not shown herein.

In operating and manipulating my hauling machine, the machine is carried to the general work location, and the split wheels are assembled. Then the machine is propelled by the power plants or engines in its wheels. it is maneuvered so that the machine straddles the logs or load. Then the carriage 7 is shifted directly over the load. Then the winch line or chain 49 is suitably hooked or tied to the log either for dragging or for heeling the log for carrying on the machine. During the winch operation the bulldozer arms 63 are tilted so as to raise the bulldozer blade 11 and brace the spike heads 74 at the rear against the ground, thus counteracting and bracing against the turning moment of the Winch operation while the load is lifted. Thereafter the bulldozer blade 11 is held and adjusted constantly to counterbalance the turning moment on the axle frame 1 during the hauling operation. The engines in the wheels 3 are suitably operated and the wheels 3 are connected by suitable clutches to the respective transmissions for the movement of the machine. Steering is accomplished by selective advancing the throttle of the engine 32 in one wheel 3 and retarding the engine 32 in the other Wheel 3 and on down grades or for very short turns by braking of either wheel 3 in any well known manner.

The bulldozer blade 11 is easily adjustable to any position. It can be rased or lowered by said hydraulic cylinder '76 and plunger 78; it can be pushed forward or pulled rearward by the central pneumatic plunger device 71 for selected leverages with respect to said axle frame 1 and wheels 3. Also by applying the sleeve guide brakes 64 to the support arms 63 at one wheel 3, and shifting the support arms 63 at the other wheel 3, the bulldozer blade can be held at a selected angle with respect to the axis of the axle frame 1. By applying sleeve guide brake 64 only to the upper support arm; 63 and then pushing or pulling the blade 11 by the plunger 71 the angle of attack of the bulldozer blade 11 can be adjusted and selected. The same can. be determined by locking the lower arms 63 only. This variety of adjustments permits great flexibility in bulldozing operations to conform to the contour of the ground, and it also permits proper counterbalancing of turning moments on the axle frame 1 so as to keep the machine baIanced under all operating conditions.

I claim:

' 1. In a hauling machine of the character described, an axle, a Wheel jeurnalled on each end of the axle, the diameter of each Wheel being large enough to support said axle at such height as to accommodate the load to be carried by said machine under said axle and between said wheels, and driving means suspended on each end of said axle and entirely within the respective wheels for driving the adjacent Wheel, a bulldozer extended across and in front of said machine, and connecting means to adjustably support said bulldozer blade on the ends of said axle, means to adjust the distance and angle of said bulldozer with respect to said axle so as to counterbalance torque exerted on said axle, said adjustable connecting means including angularly adjustable elements journalled on each end of said axle, bulldozer arms slidably extended through said elements on each side of said machine and universally connected to said bulldozer, selectively actuated mechanism to change the angular position of said adjustable elements and the bulldozer arms therewith, and universally adjustable means to move said bulldozer away from or toward said axle and to hold the bulldozer in adjusted position according to the relative position of said bulldozer arms.

2. in a hauling machine of the character described, an axle, a Wheel journalled on each end of the axle, the diameter of each wheel being large enough to support said axle at such height as to accommodate the load to be carried by said machine under said axle and between said Wheels, and driving means suspended on each end of said axle and entirely within the respective wheels for driving the adjacent Wheel, a bulldozer extended across and in front of said machine, a bulldozer arm holder journalled on each end of the axle, a pair of bulldozer arms in vertical alignment at each end of the bulldozer, each being universally connected to said bulldozer and being slidably held in said arm holder, means to fasten each of said arms in adjusted position in its holder, the connection of said pair of bulldozer arms near one end of said bulldozer being slidable longitudinally with respect to said bulldozer for angular adjustment, and means related to the ax e to selectively push said bulldozer away from or pull it toward said axle.

3. In a hauling machine of the character described, an axle, a wheel journalled on each end of the axle, the diameter of each wheel being large enough to support axle at such height as to accommodate the load to be carried by said machine under said axle and between said wheels, and driving means suspended on each end of said axle and entirely Within the respective wheels for driving the adjacent wheel, winch means supported on said axle between said wheels for picking up or lowering loads; a bulldozer extended across and in front of said machine, a bulldozer arm holder journalled on each end of the axle, a pair of bulldozer arms in vertical alignment at each end of the bulldozer each being universally connected to said bulldozer and being slidably held in said arm holder, means to fasten each of said arms in adjusted position in its holder, the connection of said pair of bulldozer arms near one end of said bulldozer being slidable longitudinally with respect to said bulldozer for angular adjustment, and means related to the axle to selectively push said bulldozer away from or pull it toward said axle, the rear end of at least one of said bulldozer arms being adapted to engage the ground in the elevated position of the bulldozer to brace said axle against loads exerted by the operation of said winching means.

4. In a hauling machine of the character described, an axle, a Wheel journalled on each end of the axle, the diameter of each wheel being large enough to support said axle at such height as to accommodate the load to be carried by said machine under said axle and between said Wheels, and driving means suspended on each end of said axle and entirely within the respective wheels for driving the adjacent wheel, a bulldozer extended across and in front of said machine, a bulldozer arm holder journalled on each end of the axle, a pair of bulldozer arms in vertical alignment at each end of the bulldozer, each being universally connected to said bulldozer and being slidably held in said arm holder, means to fasten each of said arms in adjusted position in its holder, the connection of said pair of bulldozer arms near one end of said bulldozer being slidable longitudinally with respect to said bulldozer for angular adjustment, and means related to the axle to selectively push said bulldozer away from or pull it toward said axle, said pushing and pulling means engaging generally the middle of said bulldozer with respect to the universally mounted ends of said bulldozer arms.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 7 196,331 Brooks Oct. 23, 1877 575,383 Spotswood Jan. 19, 1897 594,722 Bodley Nov. 30, 1897 1,245,896 Fuqua Nov. 6, 1917 1,357,571 Knepper Nov. 2, 1920 1,359,294 Trumble Nov. 16, 1920 1,379,464 Martin May 24, 1921 2,301,808 Mosher Nov. 10, 1942 2,335,851 Fox et al. Dec. 7, 1943 2,402,352 Taylor June 18, 1946 2,417,520 Porch Mar. 18, 1947 2,558,686 Hubbard June 26, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS 391,359 Great Britain Apr. 27, 1933 495,042 France June 15, 1919 

